A man who died in floodwaters in central west NSW has been remembered for his community spirit as captain of the Rural Fire Brigade in his small, rural village of Burcher.
Police have formally identified the body of father-of-three Robert Linnane, who was reported missing on Saturday after his car and boat trailer were found near Lake Cowal, southwest of Forbes.
The 49-year-old's family say he was a dedicated family man with a partner, three daughters and grandchildren, while also giving his time to the community as president of the local golf and cricket clubs.
A wide-scale search involving more than 100 volunteers and several helicopters had scoured the flooded region for five days, then on Wednesday afternoon the 49-year-old's body was found beside a makeshift boat ramp.
Mr Linnane's family released a statement thanking the many friends, volunteers and community services who had spent days searching for him.
Friends of Mr Linnane, who was nicknamed "Beardy", are heartbroken over the news with many turning to social media to send condolences to his family.
"Here's to one of the best blokes [I've] ever had the pleasure of knowing" wrote Brendon Kirkup. While many posts say "RIP Beardy".
Police say a report will be prepared for the coroner.
